PJ's Notebook

The latest thoughts from SBS reporter Peta Jane Madam. Follow @PJMadam

Trying time reporting from Villawood

04 October 2011, 20:57 PM | Source: SBS Staff - PJ Madam

I went through all the right channels. I called the Immigration Department, put my request ‘in writing’, then followed up with another phone call (looking back, the ACT and NSW having a public holiday probably didn’t help!).

Trying time reporting from Villawood

Trying time reporting from Villawood

5

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In any case, I knew from the start that trying to get inside Villawood detention centre would be impossible.

Journalists have whinged for years about the lack of access inside any facility housing asylum seekers.

Some say they’ve been able to film inside Cuba’s notorious Guantanamo Bay, but have had no luck at detention centres here.

Remember, ‘Gitmo’ according to the United States administration, is home to some of the most dangerous people in the world: terrorists and criminals.

Yet in Australia, the media can’t even get inside the facilities that house asylum seekers – many who are found to be genuine.

So, when it was finally confirmed that my camera crew and I had zero chance to step beyond the detention fence, I wasn’t surprised.

We were however, allowed to film outside Villawood’s main gate, although there was still some sweet talking to do when we got there.

Security wanted to know the usual: who we were, why we were here, and who we were waiting for. They were pleasant but slightly suspicious. Of course, the sight of a camera never helps.

At one stage my cameraman innocently stepped inside the boundaries and was promptly reminded of where he belonged: outside. I felt we were lucky to have been standing on the same land, sharing the same postcode.

I realise there are rules to be respected. But how on earth can the media bring viewers a balanced perspective on the refugee debate, when we are unable to see first hand the conditions inside? It does help to see where people eat, sleep, exercise and play, for the sake of perspective.

Understanding someone’s environment is something we might take for granted. But bringing viewers those pictures which speak a thousand words is crucial in providing context.

I’m not asking for people to agree or disagree with mandatory detention or onshore processing.

But I’m yet to be convinced by successive governments that the public doesn’t have a right to know the other side of the story, when we can’t even get access to it.

Have your say on increased media access to detention centres here.





 

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Your Comments

creeping fashism

phw - from canberra, 7 months ago

if the press had been allowed free access to concentration camps between 1933 and 1945 arguable 6 million human beings could have survived WW2. Only Mr. Hitler's spiritual heirs feed on secrets behind barbed wires.

show me the money

Jose - from Adelaide, 8 months ago

I'd say it's likely to just be a management/cost issue. These are private firms and more visitors means more people they have to manage, like in criminal prisons. We just need it written in the contracts to allow journalist access.

a bit one eyed

michael - from brisbane, 8 months ago

Journalists, let alone the rest of us. are not allowed to comment on multiculturalism because of the censorship of section 18C. If the hand wringing green apologists return our freedom of speech enableing Australians to discuss matters then maybe I would listen to both sides. Until then there is only them and us. Why should they get a soap box when natives are silenced?

eh

Brayden C - from Sydney, 8 months ago

Again its a stupid issue, we shouldn't even have detention centers in the first place, its inhumane and reactionary. But whilst we wait for Australia to wake up, journalist and public access should be granted.

good point but...

cath - from perth, 8 months ago

I think Malcolm X had it right when he said: "If you're not careful, the newspapers will have you hating the people who are being oppressed, and loving the people who are doing the oppressing" Why does the media report every time a boat arrives on "our shores", like it has some major impact on every day Australian lives - its intentionally adding fuel to the fire of the extremist debate that is raging, where the moderate voices are being washed out. Sometimes, no news is a wiser move